A statement of Assertion is given followed by a corresponding statement of Reason (R). Choose the correct answer from the given options.

Assertion: Aromatic aldehydes and formaldehyde undergo Cannizzaro reaction.

Reason: Aromatic aldehydes are almost as reactive as formaldehyde.

Assertion is correct but reason is incorrect

The correct answer is option 3. Assertion is correct but reason is incorrect.

Assertion: Aromatic aldehydes and formaldehyde undergo the Cannizzaro reaction.

The Cannizzaro reaction is a redox reaction where two molecules of a non-enolizable aldehyde react in the presence of a strong base to form a primary alcohol and a carboxylate salt.

Formaldehyde (HCHO) undergoes the Cannizzaro reaction because it has no alpha hydrogen atoms, making it non-enolizable.

Aromatic aldehydes (such as benzaldehyde) also undergo the Cannizzaro reaction because they generally lack alpha hydrogen atoms, making them suitable candidates for this reaction.

Reason: Aromatic aldehydes are almost as reactive as formaldehyde.

This statement is misleading. Formaldehyde is significantly more reactive than aromatic aldehydes in most reactions due to its simpler structure and lack of steric hindrance. The higher reactivity of formaldehyde is due to the absence of electron-donating groups attached to the carbonyl carbon, making it more electrophilic.

While both aromatic aldehydes and formaldehyde can indeed undergo the Cannizzaro reaction, the reason provided is not accurate. The reactivity of formaldehyde is generally much higher than that of aromatic aldehydes.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Assertion is correct but reason is incorrect.